Page 472 of Hate Mates

“At least call your brother and sister. They’re worried.”

“I left a note for Armis. He knows I need to do this.”

“You told him?” Disbelief underscores his tone.

“No. Not yet.” Leaning back against the deli window, I briefly close my eyes. “I want a resolution before I break my siblings’ hearts.”

“I know where you are and why you’re there. Don’t do it. It’s too risky.”

“I’m not stupid,” I snap, rubbing a tense spot between my brows. “I know what I’m doing.”

“He’s untouchable. Even if you could get to him, you won’t survive the fallout. Take the emotion out of this, Greco, and think logically. Come home to New York. We’ll figure out a way to make that Russian prick pay. One that doesn’t tie back to you orla famiglia.”

“I want Mikhailov to know. I want to look him in the eye and ensure he knows who I am when I snuff out his existence.”

Rowan curses. “This is suicide. Don’t do it.”

“I can’t walk away. I have an in, and I’m not going down for this. Trust me. I will pull this off.”

“And then what?” Exasperation mixes with concern down the line. “You think the Bratva will let you walk away if you take out one of their leaders? You’ll be hunted the rest of your life, man. Is it really worth it?”

“Yes,” I hiss as my name is called from inside the deli. “The world has forgotten Maria and Renzo Dutti, but I haven’t,and I won’t rest until I avenge their deaths. I’ll have no peace otherwise. You don’t get it. I need to do this.”

“You’re making a mistake.”

“Goodbye, Mazzone.”

“Wait!”

“I’ve got to go.”

“I’m only saying this ’cause you’re my brother, man. If you’re determined to do this, at least let me help. I can?—”

“No.” I cut across him as I signal to the girl behind the counter through the window. “You have a wife. A family. You are not involving yourself in this. Why the fuck do you think I fled New York and dropped my old identity? I’m protecting those I love, including you. Don’t come here, Rowan. You’ll blow my cover and likely get both of us killed.”

“I can’t do nothing.” Pain is evident in his tone.

“I love you, man. But there is nothing you can do. Trust I have this under control. Promise me you won’t do anything, say anything. If this ends badly, I want nothing tying back to La Cosa Nostra. Swear it, Mazzone. On your kid’s life.”

He emits a heavy sigh. “I hate this, but okay. You better know what you’re doing, Cassio. I won’t say anything. You have my word.”

“Thank you.” Relief oozes out of me.

“Don’t die.”

“Not planning to,” I say, but he’s already hung up.

Chapter Four

IRINA

“Cohen?” I repeatedly, stupidly, call out as I search my apartment, but he’s gone.

I shouldn’t be disappointed he escaped while I showered. It’s for the best. No good can come from hanging out with the man. Even if he did ride to my rescue last night.

A pounding on the door claims my attention, and I check the peephole, grimacing when I see who’s on the other side. Might as well get this over with. Yanking the door open, I plant a petulant look on my face, purely to wind Alexei up. I really shouldn’t, but I just can’t help myself.

“Do you have a death wish?” he barks, pushing his way into my apartment and looking around.

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